Sacred Space
فَأْوُۥٓا۟ إِلَى ٱلْكَهْفِ يَنشُرْ لَكُمْ رَبُّكُم مِّن رَّحْمَتِهِۦ وَيُهَيِّئْ لَكُم مِّنْ أَمْرِكُم مِّرْفَقًا
“take refuge in the cave. Your Lord will extend His mercy to you and accommodate you in your ordeal.”
Surah Al-Kahf 18:16
The story of the cave is found in both the Quran and the Bible, with great lessons about the power of God. Today, we will explore ‘Al-Kahf’, the cave in our lives, highlighting its role as a metaphor for a spiritual space for praying and connecting to God.
By dedicating that space, we create a sacred cocoon; a place where our soul can find peace and instantly connect with our Source.
In Islamic philosophy, creating a special place for prayer and remembering Allah is believed to bring in angels and heightened spiritual energy. From a scientific perspective, linking a specific place with activities like praying and meditating can help prepare the mind. Stepping into this space can help reduce brain waves and make it easier to enter a state of surrender and deeper connection. Connecting to God can be done anywhere any second of the day, yet creating that space becomes a special meeting place for you and the Divine.
As the Quran is infinite in meaning, we can also remember that as we tie its meanings to a coaching perspective, we realize that we also have a cave within us. The outer cave is a space you step into, but the inner cave is the loving space you carry within your chest. Each time you pause, breathe, and return to God, you enter that cave again, a love that lives inside you.
“Your sacred space is where you find yourself again and again”
Joseph Campbell
Today, create your sacred space for prayer. If you already have a space, you can add any elements that you feel may elevate your spiritual energy.
Plants: They symbolize love, growth, and surrender. Nature is naturally spiritual and deeply connected to our source. Plants are mentioned often in the Quran and are described as constantly praising their Creator.
Spiritual Phrases: Place your favourite words, verses, or names of God to anchor your heart and intention.
Qibla Direction: When possible, orient your sacred space toward the Qibla. Many scholars speak of the spiritual energy and alignment that comes from facing this direction with both heart and body.
Sunlight: If you can, choose a spot touched by natural light. Sunlight carries a gentle clarity that uplifts the heart and fills the space with warmth.
“My whole outer life had been ripped away from me in the blink of an eye. In its place I had been shown the beauty and peace of an inner state that was beyond anything I had ever imagined.”
“As I sat at the threshold of the door that opened into the beautiful place that life had given me to do this work, I reverently bowed my head. This was my temple, my monastery, and I vowed to use it well.”
The Surrender Experiment: My Journey into Life’s Perfection – Michael Alan Singer
“Whenever Zachariah visited her in the sanctuary, he found her supplied with provisions. He exclaimed, “O Mary! Where did this come from?” She replied, “It is from Allah. Surely Allah provides for whoever He wills without limit.
كُلَّمَا دَخَلَ عَلَيْهَا زَكَرِيَّا ٱلْمِحْرَابَ وَجَدَ عِندَهَا رِزْقًۭا ۖ قَالَ يَـٰمَرْيَمُ أَنَّىٰ لَكِ هَـٰذَا ۖ قَالَتْ هُوَ مِنْ عِندِ ٱللَّهِ ۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَرْزُقُ مَن يَشَآءُ بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ
This ayat (verse or “sign”) regarding Beloved Mary reminds us of her deep receptivity within the sanctuary, some time before the visit of the Angel Gabriel. Blessed Mary, in her complete immersion in prayer, is such an example for us of one who was profoundly receptive to Spirit, awaiting the arrival of the sustaining gifts of her Lord in every moment.”
The Way of Mary. Maryam, Beloved of God – Camille Hamilton Adams Helminski
